The Murray-Darling Conservation Alliance is a national voice for the rivers, wetlands and wildlife of the Murray-Darling. Members include conservation groups in every Basin state – NSW, Vic, SA and QLD – representing half a million people in rural communities and east-coast cities. Each group has been advocating for the environment at a state level for more than 50 years. Together we have a shared vision for healthy inland rivers.

Members include: Nature Conservation Council NSW, Queensland Conservation, Environment Victoria, and Conservation Council SA.

Canberra Trip - November 2023

In November 2023, an alliance of farmers, irrigators, First Nations leaders and environmental groups came out in strong support of expanding water buybacks from willing sellers as the best way to return enough water to Australia’s biggest river system. As part of this alliance, NCC attended Parliament House to present a petition with 10,000 signatures from across the Basin states urging Federal Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek to stand up and protect rivers. 

From this meeting, we have welcomed an agreement between the Australian Greens and the Albanese Government to strengthen the Water Amendment (Restoring our Rivers) Bill, saying the proposed amendments will give Basin rivers a chance of restoration after years of delay tactics.

The groups have highlighted the agreement offers rivers a lifeline on the brink of drought by guaranteeing the remaining 450 gigalitres of water for the environment and would open the door for more flows for the Darling-Baaka. The agreement also acknowledges significant work needs to be done to recognise First Nations rights over water.

Major Moogy Sumner, a Ngarrindjeri/Kaurna Senior Elder said: 

“The government needs to not just be listening, but actually hearing and implementing the teaching from First Nations people on how to look after our rivers and water systems. We need real water returned to the river to keep our waters clean and pure not just for us, but for everyone.” 

The agreement comes after years of grassroots action by Murray-Darling communities including farmers, irrigators, First Nations leaders and environmental groups, and creates a pathway for a healthy river and First Nations water justice, the groups said. 

The Alliance looks forward to seeing the final details of the Bill, which we hope with the support of the crossbench will deliver for communities, rivers and First Nations communities.

Jacqui Mumford, CEO of NCC has said:

“We commend the Federal Government for wanting to cancel the Menindee project, which was never going to work. Now we need to see how they intend to return real water to the rivers, in particular the Darling-Baaka in the leadup to the next drought."

“We’ve seen time and time again that the devil is in the details. We are still waiting to understand how the government is planning to ensure the Darling-Baaka is protected."

For more stories of people across the Basin who support healthy rivers, visit www.standbyyourriver.org.au